Perhaps it was inevitable that the U.S. unbeaten streak against Guatemala in qualifying play had to end, but the timing sure was lousy. The USA is riding a bleak streak of ineptitude against Concacaf opponents, both in friendlies and games that count.

While the soccer world mourns the death of Johan Cruyff -- the electrifying, revolutionary player who brought Holland to global prominence, then as a coach laid the foundation for Barcelona (and Spain's) enduring influence - Westporters of a certain age recall the day the lithe forward arrived in town.

The middle two games in the U.S. World Cup qualifying semifinal round are against Guatemala, which has brought back veteran striker Carlos Ruiz yet offers the USA a real chance to clinch a spot in the Hexagonal.

The USA can clinch its ticket to the Hexagonal if it beats Guatemala in both games of their home-and-home series that begins next Friday and Trinidad & Tobago at least splits against St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Jurgen Klinsmann says the goal is to do just that -- take three points in Guatemala City and in Columbus four days later.

Kevin Molino played just seven games in the MLS debut season for Orlando City SC before a torn ACL ended his season. A long rehab and 167 minutes in the Lions' first two games of the 2016 season has returned him to action.

At its annual meeting last week the International Football Association Board approved a two-year experimental period for video replay. Likely to jump aboard quickly is MLS, which has already tested a system and has green-lighted further experiments in USL games this season.